Car or Bus?

[CurtisCandy]

Hi, Folks...

We're going on our first trip next week. We are staying at POR-R, and we are renting a car. I'm just curious, when going to the parks, are we better off taking the bus or driving the rental car over?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Laurajean1014]

I prefer the buses, but it's anyones' call.

I prefer the car when going to DTD and the resorts.

 

[precious pixie]

I agree take the bus when going to the parks all you will have to do is enjoy the ride. It drops you off closer to the gates than you can get to with a car and you don't have to remember where you parked!

 

[44disney]

If you are going to one park only and then plan to return to your hotel, the bus will get you closer to the front gates (but you may have to wait a little while for it, and you may have to wait for another bus if you leave the parks when they close because there will be a line). Driving means you will have a walk (or tram ride) to the front gates, but you don't have to wait on the bus.

If you plan on doing something other than returning to your hotel, or if you plan to park hop, then I definitely recommend driving.

 

[resol37]

My family has always used the buses unless we're going off property. My dad is retired Air Force and I've never stayed anywhere but Shades of Green. They have their own bus system and that's all we've ever used.

Typically, I'd say it's less of a hassle to just take Disney transportation. You don't have to worry about parking or using gas. Why bother when free transportation is offered?

There are some downsides - when you do decide to leave the park, sometimes you'll have to sit and wait for awhile before another bus comes.

I would take your own car to DTD though. Buses don't seem to go there as frequently and may only pick up at one spot in the huge parking lot. Parking is free whether or not you're staying on prop.

 

[CarolB]

Always drive to WDW, park our car and rarely, if ever use it again until the day we leave. If we are going to DTD for alot of shopping or Jelly Rolls for evening entertainment we will usually drive, but to go to the parks, even when hopping we use disney transportation - bus, boat, monorail - all great, convenient and much easier than driving, IMO.

 

[disneypharm]

We always prefer the buses. If you are staying at POR, you can go to DTD with a boat. It is very quick. We rented a car for our first WDW trip and we used it only twice during our 8-day stay.

 

[CurtisCandy]

Thanks very much for the responses...

Sounds like Disney transportation is the way to go!

 

[CherCrazy]

It's amazing, but it looks like I'll be the only one to disagree.
We prefer taking our car. Sadly, we have no patience in waiting for the busses. We just want that instant gratification of sinking into our car's soft cushiony seats after a long day of hiking thru the parks.

 

[hrbib21]

I feel that the buses take too long. I normally drive, even when staying in the park.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would say Bus to the parks & car to Downtown Disney.

 

[Uncleromulus]

We always use our car wherever we go in WDW.

 

[jpolak]

We always rent a car and drive everywhere. This trip I convinced DW to give the busses a try. We will drive when going to DTD or another resort for a meal. We did stay at POR and used the boat to go to DTD going was fine, but it took forvever to get a boat home.

 

[OKW Lover]

We take our car when we go, with the lone exception of the MK where the bus is faster since it drops you off at the park gates. At the MK, you have to park your car in the main lot and take the tram to the TTC, then a boat or monorail to the MK.

We seldom do resort-park-resort. There is usually a stop somewhere else (another park, a store, a different resort) before returning to our resort. having the car gives you the flexibility to do this.

 

[stacy6552]

I think the MK is the only must bus-it destination. Otherwise, driving is fine too.. But if your not an early bird, you will probably have to tram it from your car to the gate.

 

[slo]

I would take the bus if this is your first trip to WDW.

We always take our car because we've been many times, and know the property like the back of our hand.

 

[vellamint]

I prefer to drive. I would much rather be "moving" (walking to our car) than just standing there and waiting in the sun for a bus. We usually get there early enough that our car is right outside the gates of Epcot, MGM and AK so not a bad walk.....

 

[peacelovemickey]

We have done three trips without a car and two with and I like to have both options. I will always ride the bus to MK due to the drop off area. However I prefer taking the car to the others. Especially if we have booked through AAA and have a Diamond Parking Pass! It is nice to get in a non-crowded car and have control over our situation. JMHO

 

[Threeriversdisneyfan]

I see your wrestling (sorry no pun intended) with the car vs bus decision. Here are my observations that most people don't tell you.

Would you rather get in a hot car or an air conditioned bus? Sometimes convience has a price.

It's very rare the buses get lost, how well do you know the Orlando area?

The conversations on the bus could lead to geat information, like what's broke down, or which line is the longest etc.

The lines for the buses can be outragous at closing time. Sometimes waiting two or three buses to get on (then you'll probally have to stand).

As you can tell I prefer the buses, each mode of transportation had it's pros and cons. I drive close to hour each way to work everyday, if someone wants to drive me to parks great. It seems to me most newbies like to take the bus, we feel it's part of the experience it our unofficial first disney ride. Most Disney veterans have since out grown it, and choose effiecency over magic. If it is your first time do the bus (unless you plan to leave at closing time then think about driving).

Here is neat link on Disney transportation:
http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/twiz.asp

 

[eeyore_lover_0101]

I would definitly take the buses to the park! We usually stay at POFQ and buses usually arrive every 10 minutes at the mot or so. If you are planning to explore other hotels just as a site seeing trip..then it might be better to take your car then. But the Disney buses are the best way to go when going to the parks.